UPDATE: April 11, 2015
Shame on the person who left the note. She works in Halifax now, but is a valley girl who lost her leg in a hit & run in Wolfville a couple years ago. Disabilities are not always visibly noticeable,remember that before you decide to judge someone. ~ April
Natasha Hope-Simpson, prosthetic leg user, gets note saying she 'should be ashamed'
'It's really none of our business whether they run out of the car, or crawl out of the car,' says advocate
CBC News Posted: Apr 10, 2015 8:39 AM AT Last Updated: Apr 10, 2015 12:10 PM AT
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UPDATE MARCH 29- WE LOVE U NATASHA
An artist’s elegant step forward
Amputee works with NSCAD students, engineers to fashion printed 3D prosthesis
Artist and former NSCAD student Natasha Hope-Simpson gives the keynote address at the Seaport Maker Symposium, where her new 3D printed prosthetic leg was unveiled in Halifax. (ADRIEN VECZAN / Staff)
One night last November, Natasha Hope-Simpson’s life changed radically.
The young artist was struck by a vehicle in Wolfville while she was walking to her parked car. The hit-and-run crash ended up costing Hope-Simpson part of her left leg.
Almost five months later, the NSCAD University graduate showed a Halifax audience the prototype of an innovative prosthetic limb she helped other Nova Scotians design using 3D printing technology.
Hope-Simpson said the crash presented her with “a huge artistic challenge.” That is, how best to fill the space below her knee down to the ground with “something beautiful.”
Her requirements were functionality and esthetics, Hope-Simpson told a NSCAD symposium Friday at the Pier 21 immigration museum.
“For me, my biggest need is mobility,” she said. “I’d like to be able to walk and hike and bike and … (do) all of the things that I like to do, and more. I want to be able to do what hasn’t happened yet.”
After she was hurt in the hit and run, Hope-Simpson endured a long hospital stay and eight surgeries. Doctors told her they could try to save her leg but it would take many operations and she would never walk normally again, CBC News reported last year.
She was 23 years old at the time of the crash.
“I decided to go with the amputation because I value functionality a lot,” Hope-Simpson told CBC. “I want to be able to move, to walk, to travel. It was a relief to have it off because it was so mangled.”
At Pier 21, Hope-Simpson said her desire for an artificial leg goes beyond pure utilitarian need.
“What I want is something that’s beautiful and that speaks the language of the rest of my body,” she said. “I’d like it to give back balance to my form, and it should have a sense of femininity — it should feel like it’s a part of me.”
After her accident, first-year students in a NSCAD class listened to Hope-Simpson’s wish list for a better prosthesis, said a release from the university. She also wanted a new leg that could get wet and work well in water during such activities as swimming and surfing.
Students at NSCAD worked in small groups, developing ideas and using materials like cardboard, bungee cords, wire and Styrofoam to create 3D prototypes. “Then Natasha got to try out what they made and provide feedback,” the school’s release said.
As well, Hope-Simpson consulted with Thinking Robot Studios Inc. of Truro, whose designers worked with an engineer in Bulgaria. In about four weeks’ time, the custom-made prototype was produced.
Using computer modelling and 3D printing, an artificial body part with an artistic pattern was developed that included Hope-Simpson’s design notions.
“I’ll never forget her face (Thursday) when she held it in her hands for the first time, and smiled — and I got a picture of that smile,” Kendall Joudrie, of Thinking Robot Studios, told the conference.
“That was the most amazing moment any of us could ever have asked for.”
The young artist was struck by a vehicle in Wolfville while she was walking to her parked car. The hit-and-run crash ended up costing Hope-Simpson part of her left leg.
Almost five months later, the NSCAD University graduate showed a Halifax audience the prototype of an innovative prosthetic limb she helped other Nova Scotians design using 3D printing technology.
Hope-Simpson said the crash presented her with “a huge artistic challenge.” That is, how best to fill the space below her knee down to the ground with “something beautiful.”
Her requirements were functionality and esthetics, Hope-Simpson told a NSCAD symposium Friday at the Pier 21 immigration museum.
“For me, my biggest need is mobility,” she said. “I’d like to be able to walk and hike and bike and … (do) all of the things that I like to do, and more. I want to be able to do what hasn’t happened yet.”
After she was hurt in the hit and run, Hope-Simpson endured a long hospital stay and eight surgeries. Doctors told her they could try to save her leg but it would take many operations and she would never walk normally again, CBC News reported last year.
She was 23 years old at the time of the crash.
“I decided to go with the amputation because I value functionality a lot,” Hope-Simpson told CBC. “I want to be able to move, to walk, to travel. It was a relief to have it off because it was so mangled.”
At Pier 21, Hope-Simpson said her desire for an artificial leg goes beyond pure utilitarian need.
“What I want is something that’s beautiful and that speaks the language of the rest of my body,” she said. “I’d like it to give back balance to my form, and it should have a sense of femininity — it should feel like it’s a part of me.”
After her accident, first-year students in a NSCAD class listened to Hope-Simpson’s wish list for a better prosthesis, said a release from the university. She also wanted a new leg that could get wet and work well in water during such activities as swimming and surfing.
Students at NSCAD worked in small groups, developing ideas and using materials like cardboard, bungee cords, wire and Styrofoam to create 3D prototypes. “Then Natasha got to try out what they made and provide feedback,” the school’s release said.
As well, Hope-Simpson consulted with Thinking Robot Studios Inc. of Truro, whose designers worked with an engineer in Bulgaria. In about four weeks’ time, the custom-made prototype was produced.
Using computer modelling and 3D printing, an artificial body part with an artistic pattern was developed that included Hope-Simpson’s design notions.
“I’ll never forget her face (Thursday) when she held it in her hands for the first time, and smiled — and I got a picture of that smile,” Kendall Joudrie, of Thinking Robot Studios, told the conference.
“That was the most amazing moment any of us could ever have asked for.”
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UPDATE FEB 11
Kentville Advertiser
Wolfville woman hurt in hit-and-run shares experience, art with New Booker School students
Published on February 11, 2014
Tasha Hope-Simpson visited the New Booker School in Wolfville recently and talked to the students about the challenges she has faced after losing part of a leg.
Her injuries from an accident last fall were so severe she had to decide after several surgeries whether to keep a limb with no feeling or have an amputation.
“They told me I’d walk again in six months. I have a busy lifestyle and I can’t imagine not walking,” Hope-Simpson said, so she opted for the amputation.
“This is what happens. You have to learn how to adapt to these sorts of issues. Some people are born without a leg and other people get on just fine.”
Hope-Simpson shared her visual research into “how many kinds of legs there are out there,” including images of American actor, athlete and model Aimee Mullins.
Her talk was part of a unit of inquiry into simple machines. Hope-Simpson helped the students consider the function and design of prosthetic devices and then, with her guidance, the children designed and built their own mini prosthetic device from found materials.
School spokeswoman Johanna Mercer said the students are looking “forward to working with Tasha on an extended art project during our next unit: Where We Are in Time and Place.”
“She's inspirational,” one student said. “The way she can find the positive in things."
Students will work with Hope-Simpson on a big, fibre art piece that will be part of the set for a musical that they are writing and composing.
Mercer said a number of the students want to help fundraise for the young woman’s prosthesis through a coin drive or bake sale.
Hope-Simpson lost part of her leg in a hit-and-run crash last November as she walked to her car. Her left leg was crushed between two cars and the driver fled.
The province will cover a basic prosthetic limb, but specialty ones for hiking and other activities will be expensive. Her siblings started a website that has raised more than $27,000 and friends organized two fundraising benefits.
Const. Blair MacMurtery of the Kings District RCMP said police continue to look for the hit and run driver.
"We'll take any tip we can get that will lead us to the driver," he said.
Any tips can be directed to the RCMP in New Minas, 679-5555, or Crimestopppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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SPECIAL ALERT/SPECIAL ALERT/SPECIAL ALERT/DECEMBER 2013- JANUARY 2014- RAISING $$$$ 4 SURGERIES 4 YOUNG HERO- NATASHA HOPE-SIMPSON STRUCK BY COWARD HIT AND RUN DRIVER...
BEAUTIFUL NOVA SCOTIA GIRL-
Natasha Hope-Simpson granddaughter of Peggy Hope-Simpson- hit and run lost her leg and internal damage- and helping raise $$$ 2 replace most of one leg ripped off by a hit and run driver
PLEASE DONATE:
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/support-for-tasha/109802
https://www.facebook.com/events/391990500904729/
Natasha Hope-Simpson- was struck hit and run..... PLEASE DONATE-
- her Grandma is Peggy Hope-Simpson a hero among us old ladies and the many who have so little in life .... as a Quaker she wld never support war- and we, of course did..... still we admired each other and our lives were and are so intertwined in the fight 4 rights, freedoms, justice...
Gloria Stienem and Marlo Thomas used 2 come 2 Canada and said Canadian women were the bravest and strongest women in the world and they were so proud of our raw courage.... and we damm well were...
Canada has equality among women and men.... it's still like a brand new blade of grass here and there in an old torn field of rocks and pebbles... but it's damm well there....
Rita MacNeil....and us old mother warriors with scars and tattered tarnished wings paid heavy dues 4 a lot of those privileges and freedoms u youngfolks take so 4granted 2day.... human rights and union was thankless and often less than kind 2 womenfolk, gender, colour, creed, blah, blah blah... but we never backed down.... and have huge old scars of long fought battles and fighting drunk/drug drivers, paedophiles, child abuse, domestic abuse, the ugliness of poverty that slithers way 2 much still in our Canada and our Nova Scotia....and the insidiousness of driving and killing by drunk/drugged... is just evil.
..... this little Nova Scotia Canadian Girl- our Natasha deserves justice..... and Quackers are way 2 damm nice in the eyes of us old bloodthirsty Roman Catholics maybe... but ...in this day and age... in this world.... DON'T DRINK/DRUG AND DRIVE.... and 4 God's sake stop and make sure a person's okay or an animal.....
I pray 4 the worst kinds of nightmares that driver must be living with the person(s) who stuck and tore the leg and broke the body but NOT the spirit of our Nova Scotia Grl..... we all know u are out there and are suffering - because human dignity can be no less....WELL GOOD!!!... now fess up and clean your soul...... and help Nathasha- Peggy's Grandbaby.... with medical expenses and 2 follow her dreams; of which Natasha Hope-Simpson has so many..... God bless u child - tears and prayers
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/support-for-tasha/109802
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NOVA SCOTIA: OPEN LETTER Doctors encourage safe driving this holiday season- BLOGS POSTED -drunk/drugged drivers the day/night be4... and the mourning after
BLOGS POSTED- DRUNK DRIVING KILLING OUR KIDS
POSTED-
CANADA MILITARY NEWS: Aug6 Pg2-/One the receiving end DUI -drs.families.police..communities $$$$14Billion a year/ Drunk/Drugged Drivers r killing more Canadians and ruining more families than Guns- CHECH OLD NEWS- People Mag 1983- and Canada old news- weary and tired of lax rules- night before n mourning after- COME ON CANADA!!!/bullying -bullycides- help lines 4u
http://nova0000scotia.blogspot.ca/2013/08/canada-military-news-aug6-pg2-one.html
POSTED
CANADA MILITARY NEWS: Aug6 Pg2/DUI cost $$$ 14Billion a year Canada-Peoplennews80sDUI/BULLYhlplines 4kids of abuse/kids matter
http://nova0000scotia.blogspot.ca/2013/08/canada-military-news-aug6-pg2-one.html
POSTED
CANADA MILITARY NEWS: Nov22- DRUNK MAYORS/DRUGGIE PrimeMinister CONTENDERS/238 folks murdered by drunk-drugged drivers this year Nova Scotia- how canCanada Leaders push drugs and booze, n smoking 2 our kids???? WTF CANADA don't become USA???
http://nova0000scotia.blogspot.ca/2013/11/canada-military-news-nov22-drunk.html
POSTED:
DRUNK DRIVER MURDER CANADIANS- NIGHT BEFORE- MOURNING AFTER- no more excuses- no more abuses- u murder and maim our children, families and destroy more lives than guns
http://nova0000scotia.blogspot.ca/2013/07/drunk-driver-murder-canadians-night.html
NOVA SCOTIA: LETTER Doctors encourage safe driving this holiday season
Published on December 12, 2013
The holiday season is upon us and our social calendars are filling up quickly. With so much to celebrate during this time of year, doctors remind you to celebrate responsibly and don’t drink and drive.
Many holiday celebrations include the consumption of alcohol. If you are planning on consuming alcohol, plan ahead for a ride home.
Drinking and driving is a choice that often leads to serious and sometimes fatal outcomes. Simply put, alcohol-related collisions are preventable tragedies. Being responsible is about being prepared. Having a designated driver established before you leave your house is the best way to prevent drinking and driving.
Getting home responsibly can mean designating a sober driver before you leave the house or taking a taxi or public transit.
If you are hosting a holiday party this year, take responsibility for the safety of your guests. Make sure that no one is driving while under the influence and that everyone has a sober ride home.
Impaired driving is still the number one cause of criminal death in Canada. Physicians in the province urge Nova Scotians to celebrate responsibly this holiday season.
Mike Fleming
President,
Doctors Nova Scotia
http://www.kingscountynews.ca/Opinion/Letter-to-the-Editor/2013-12-12/article-3537873/LETTER-Doctors-encourage-safe-driving-this-holiday-season%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8/1
MADD CANADA- CAPE BRETON REGIONAL POLICE CREATED THIS SAFE GRAD- VIDEO- TEARS AND PRAYERS...TEARS AND PRAYERS- we love our grads- love u so much-pls don`t drink n drive
JUST ONE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvwMBgGnSvo&feature=youtu.be
MADD CANADA- CAPE BRETON REGIONAL POLICE CREATED THIS SAFE GRAD- VIDEO- TEARS AND PRAYERS...TEARS AND PRAYERS- we love our grads- love u so much-pls don`t drink n drive
PLEASE DON'T DRINK/DRUG AND DRIVE- WE LOVE U SO MUCH... SO MUCH- U MATTER
U know when MADD- Mom's against Drunk Driving - started up... and there was a lot of us... we even had crosses all along the highway- in 1965 seven of us were hit by a drunk driver - had over 70 surgeries.... it took 3 more drunk accidents to get him off the road...
drunk/drugged driving kills and maims and destroys so many.... this is such a heartbrake and so necessary- IT'S GRADUATION TIME STUDENTS- please don't drive if u drink/drug
COMMENT:
What an amazing job!! Talk about setting the bar high for everyone else! It's really hard to imagine this video was made by high school kids - it's wonderful to know these are the kind of people who will one day be leading our country!
Published on Jun 19, 2013
Riverview High School's version of Lisa Shaffer's 2006 hit JUST ONE - spreading the word that drinking and driving don't mix
Native Spirits Tribal Community-thx brothers and sisters 4 the share
PHOTO
TWO WOLVES-CHEROKEE- IDLE NO MORE CANADA- USA-MEXICO-AUSSIES, KIWIS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8CHjX8HauA
Billy Currington's friend....Gary Allen... one of the saddest song... about youth... drinking/drugging and driving....PLEASE DON'T DRINK/DRUG AND DRIVE... please
Gary Allan - Don't Tell Mama I Was Drinking
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUpf8GqoAYQ
Entity: UMG Content Type: Sound Recording ( NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGMENT INTINDED ) A very sad but o so real song !! How many lives have been lost due to drunk driving?? The last picture tell the story "IT'S NOT WORTH IT " so please don't drink and drive
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Billy Currington's life... and his country music debut "Walk A little Straighter Daddy..... says more about it all... and touched children and youngbloods from ANON etc. than any song or video... it's the truth music... raw... real and righteous... and billy currington nails it.... with a song... he started writing this song that stole our hearts.... and broke them... at 12 years of age...
Boy have I been there.... on both sides of the table.... this simple stunning song and that 'voice'... and that billy currington with the southern soul that only can be born to you.... Georgia's backwoods country boy.... told it like it is.... for all the youngbloods.... who know real and raw... and the truth song.... Billy Currington will always have tarnished angels like him.... for fans..... because we walked.... his talk.... and lived to tell the tale....
Billy Currington- WALK A LITTLE STRAIGHTER DADDY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1no7Or9BeI
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CLASSIFIED TEACHES US ALL A LESSON WITH THIS INCREDIBLE SONG..... OF THE FACT.... THAT LIFE WORKS .... IF U WORK IT....and all the bullshit and beans that get dumped on u- and that shitty life u grow/n up in2- .... raise up baby...... you can overcome and empower yourself ....oh yes u can....Classified carved these words in stone on the hearts of us all .... who have lived this... and actually survived broken, tattered, tarnished angel wings all.... and God holds us closer, loves us deeply... and we aren NEV-A alone...
...BY THE BY... our David Myles.... Canada's Lyle Lovett and Buddy Holly ....also wrapped up in Canada's Flag joins Classified...proving that a brilliant song and brilliant voices... and imagination.....can truly inspire.... DON'T U EVER GIVE UP..
(cried- seen it...and lived it)....
Classified - The Day Doesn't Die
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZH3VXyIWL8
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AND THOSE SUFFERING FROM ABUSIVE PARENTS ESPECIALLY.... DRINKING AND DRUGGING ABUSE...... PLEASE KNOW WE LOVE U SO MUCH....and walked this talk like so many of billy currington's tarnished angels...... thinking if we were just a little more perfect.... the adults who own us.... would perhaps love us just a little better.... and protect us from mind rape deliberate cruelty, physical torture.... and sexual abuse....... because children and youth are truly God's innocents here on earth.....
TARNISHED ANGELS OF BROKEN YOUTH... are nev-a going to be perfect- but we're better than our parents and caregivers were... and their's before them.... break the chain of abuse- ONE BILLION RISING..
For each an every youngblood.... please know millions and millions of us love and support you.... you are NOT throwaway toys or trashdrops.... each and every one of you is a treasure as individual and as beautiful as a raindrop with the sun sparkling on it so beautifuly it takes our breath away...... each and every one of you are 'would be' artists, musicians, poets, scientists, inventors, spiritual guiders, history and keepers of the written word... so many things... all things... and we love you... admire you.... please don't give up on us.... we need you terribly. Thank you Jimmy Wayne.... and all your friends along the way..... lonliness and hoplessness and despair knows no race, colour, creed or orientiation... it's just a soul stealer..... let's take back our world ... and our beautiful youngbloods.... each and every one...
IT'S NOT WHERE YOU'VE BEEN- IT'S WHERE YOU'RE GOING
jimmy wayne's walk - MEET ME HALFWAY- WALK 4 HOMELESS ABUSED KIDS.... OVER 3 MILLION NOW IN U.S.A.
AND...
Knixcountry.com Supports Jimmy Wayne
Jimmy Wayne.mov (Please help homeless kids and youngbloods- USA 1.7 Million 2010- NOW OVER 3,000,000 (much higher/Canada hundreds of thousands and so on)
video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0mOjYAllQo
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Taps out to Classified 4 the homeless and young Canadian artists choosing such wonderful organizations to support- the poor, disabled, homeless ... real people
Canada's Top Music Talent Helps Pepsi Refresh The World
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgXJayoijjg
Hedley, Johnny Reid, Jully Black, Classified, the Trews, Billy Talent and Stereos have more in common than music: they believe in doing good
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SOMETIMES- CLEAN AND SOBER- YA JUST HAVE TO MOVE ON...
Sometimes the only way to be free of the drugs/drunks is to move on..... And unfortunately..... the Christmas season and Graduations r the hardest for so many
"I'm Movin' On" - Rascal Flatts Official Music Video- RASCAL FLATTS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1bxlDAjGCo
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THE HIDDEN FACES OF DRUNK DRIVERS- HIT AND RUN- THIS BEAUTIFUL GIRL... AND THIS WEEK 2 MORE INNOCENTS IN KENVILLE- AFTER 2 MORE HORRENDOUS IN HALIFAS (REHTAEH PARSON'S COUSIN) - U JUST KNOW THESE ARE DRUNK DRIVING HIT AND RUNS...
CTV ATLANTIC... A PART OF THE CTV NEWS VIDEO NETWORK
CTV Atlantic: Hit- and- run victim speaks out
http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1048827------------------------
Take responsibility, mom of injured woman tells hit-and-run driver
Editor’s Note
Lila Hope-Simpson writes to the hit-and-r un driver who injured her daughter, 23, in Wolfville on Nov. 2. Natasha Hope-Simpson’s left leg has been amputated below the knee.
Once when my husband and I were driving along Highway 14, we spotted a tur tle in the middle of the road. We pulled over and Ian gently picked up the turtle and carried him to a p ond on a nearby farm .
When I hit a low-flying robin with my car one day, I drove back to check and see if it was OK and still breathing before driving off. S o to think that an individual would drive a vehicle into my daughter, pinning her against an adjacent car, then leave her alone, severely injured and lying on the ground in a parking lot, is incomprehensible to me.
I don't know you and you don't know me, but you have affected the lives of every member of our family enormously. After you fled, my daughter called out for help and was surrounded by caring p eople who contacted my husband and placed a 911 call for police and ambulance. Since that night, she has had eight surgeries and has been hospitalized for over a month, and that is just the beginning of our long road to recovery.A few weeks ago, during an interview, a reporter asked me what I would say to the assailant if I could speak directly with that person. I reflected for a moment, then shook my head blankly and said, “There are no words." Well, now s ome time has pass ed and I do have a few things I would like to say to you.
You and I actually have more in common than you might think. We both have had major lifealtering decisions to make. Mine were medical choices that would affect my daughter’s life. Your decision was bas ed on whether to run away or offer assistance. Making choices is not easy for anyone, but I like to think that weighing the consequences of one’s actions plays a role in making those significant decisions.
While you are at home sleeping at night, my daughter is woken up repeatedly in the hospital every night for bloodwork, IVs, pain medications, injections, vitals and nerve block checks. I can tell you that it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep in a hospital setting because I have been sleeping in her room for more than a month now. You might take walking for granted, but we don't. It will be awhile before my girl can walk again, and never unaided.
Has your life been turned upside- down? Our lives have. Things that used to be important to us are not any more, and things that were not that important before, are more important now.
For many years I wrote positive parenting columns for the newspaper and although I confidently covered many topics relating to parenting, I never wrote about how to cop e after a hit-and-run incident , s o this is all new territory for me. It feels like I have been dropped into a foreign country where I don’t speak the language, I am not familiar with the culture, I have never eaten the food and I don’t know the geography or road maps. I am kind of lost in this new territory, but exp eriential learning is teaching me to cop e and I am slowly inching forward. Neither my husband nor I have worked since the accident. We don’t have time — we’re to o busy for now learning the rop es.
Make no mistake. My daughter has risen far above this event. This incident does not define her. She is positive and beautiful. She is motivated and I am confident that she will do great things with her life. We are grateful that she is alive and thriving. In fact, we don’t spend all that much time thinking about you. No, we are far to o busy healing as a family and community. We have learned many lessons. Mainly we have learned that even though there was one person who committed an unspeakable act of cowardice, there are a thousand people who have proven to us that humankind is good. Anne Frank wrote in The Diary of a Young Girl, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." Although you chose to flee and hide, our friends and community have stood by us and supported us with compassion, love, kindness, music, art, wholesome meals, funds, yarn, caring and generosity of spirit. You see, most people really don’t tolerate acts of injustice and they are not afraid to speak out. Most of us prefer that justice is done. My daughter has become every mother’s daughter and that is why everyone genuinely cares so much.
My only prayer was wishing that it could be me instead of her lying in that hospital bed. But even though I was like an animal mother trying fiercely to protect her young, I couldn’t fix this one. I have shed many tears. So many tears that sometimes it feels like there are none left to weep. And even though it was my daughter who was hit that night, I too have felt broken and shattered. But there has been laughter and peace too. We have learned how to embrace what we have and each other, and appreciate the world around us.
Tell me, do you ever think about that night? Does it affect your dreams? Do you wonder about the girl you hit and how she might b e doing? Or is it easy for you to carry on and buy groceries and watch TV and go for coffee like everything is normal? I’m just kind of curious, I guess, because I don’t really get it. I don’t understand how you can carry this inside you and keep on going as though nothing had happ ened.
As a teacher, I always taught my preschoolers that there are cons equ ences to actions. I taught them to take responsibility for their behaviour. I would never appeal to your sense of right and wrong because you have shown me that your concept of such ethics is very different from my own, but I would urge you to take responsibility for your actions that night. Don't be afraid. Come forward. Somebody knows. Or if you suspect who might have committed this act , do the right thing and tell someone. Call the New Minas detachment of the RCMP and help them wrap up their investigation (902-679-5555) or contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) for a cash reward.
I know I’m supposed to feel better if I forgive you, but the truth is, s ometimes I still feel angry that you caused so much pain. For now, I will go back and be there for my daughter and family, and I trust that the world is a kind and nurturing place. My daughter has taught me to find peace and with her courage and the support of friends and community, I am gradually learning to do so.
I don’t know you and I don’t particularly strive to know you, but I wouldn’t mind knowing who you are. You see, that would provide some closure for us.
And you know what? I urge you to do this for yourself as well. After all, if we can lo ok out for a turtle or a robin, it’s not too late for you step up to the plate for one inno cent girl. Sincerely,
Lila Hope-Simpson, Wolfville
Mainly we have learned that even though there was one person who committed an unspeakable act of cowardice, there are a thousand people who have proven to us that humankind is good.-----------------------------
Lila Hope-Simpson writes to the hit-and-r un driver who injured her daughter, 23, in Wolfville on Nov. 2. Natasha Hope-Simpson’s left leg has been amputated below the knee.
Once when my husband and I were driving along Highway 14, we spotted a tur tle in the middle of the road. We pulled over and Ian gently picked up the turtle and carried him to a p ond on a nearby farm .
When I hit a low-flying robin with my car one day, I drove back to check and see if it was OK and still breathing before driving off. S o to think that an individual would drive a vehicle into my daughter, pinning her against an adjacent car, then leave her alone, severely injured and lying on the ground in a parking lot, is incomprehensible to me.
I don't know you and you don't know me, but you have affected the lives of every member of our family enormously. After you fled, my daughter called out for help and was surrounded by caring p eople who contacted my husband and placed a 911 call for police and ambulance. Since that night, she has had eight surgeries and has been hospitalized for over a month, and that is just the beginning of our long road to recovery.A few weeks ago, during an interview, a reporter asked me what I would say to the assailant if I could speak directly with that person. I reflected for a moment, then shook my head blankly and said, “There are no words." Well, now s ome time has pass ed and I do have a few things I would like to say to you.
You and I actually have more in common than you might think. We both have had major lifealtering decisions to make. Mine were medical choices that would affect my daughter’s life. Your decision was bas ed on whether to run away or offer assistance. Making choices is not easy for anyone, but I like to think that weighing the consequences of one’s actions plays a role in making those significant decisions.
While you are at home sleeping at night, my daughter is woken up repeatedly in the hospital every night for bloodwork, IVs, pain medications, injections, vitals and nerve block checks. I can tell you that it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep in a hospital setting because I have been sleeping in her room for more than a month now. You might take walking for granted, but we don't. It will be awhile before my girl can walk again, and never unaided.
Has your life been turned upside- down? Our lives have. Things that used to be important to us are not any more, and things that were not that important before, are more important now.
For many years I wrote positive parenting columns for the newspaper and although I confidently covered many topics relating to parenting, I never wrote about how to cop e after a hit-and-run incident , s o this is all new territory for me. It feels like I have been dropped into a foreign country where I don’t speak the language, I am not familiar with the culture, I have never eaten the food and I don’t know the geography or road maps. I am kind of lost in this new territory, but exp eriential learning is teaching me to cop e and I am slowly inching forward. Neither my husband nor I have worked since the accident. We don’t have time — we’re to o busy for now learning the rop es.
Make no mistake. My daughter has risen far above this event. This incident does not define her. She is positive and beautiful. She is motivated and I am confident that she will do great things with her life. We are grateful that she is alive and thriving. In fact, we don’t spend all that much time thinking about you. No, we are far to o busy healing as a family and community. We have learned many lessons. Mainly we have learned that even though there was one person who committed an unspeakable act of cowardice, there are a thousand people who have proven to us that humankind is good. Anne Frank wrote in The Diary of a Young Girl, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." Although you chose to flee and hide, our friends and community have stood by us and supported us with compassion, love, kindness, music, art, wholesome meals, funds, yarn, caring and generosity of spirit. You see, most people really don’t tolerate acts of injustice and they are not afraid to speak out. Most of us prefer that justice is done. My daughter has become every mother’s daughter and that is why everyone genuinely cares so much.
My only prayer was wishing that it could be me instead of her lying in that hospital bed. But even though I was like an animal mother trying fiercely to protect her young, I couldn’t fix this one. I have shed many tears. So many tears that sometimes it feels like there are none left to weep. And even though it was my daughter who was hit that night, I too have felt broken and shattered. But there has been laughter and peace too. We have learned how to embrace what we have and each other, and appreciate the world around us.
Tell me, do you ever think about that night? Does it affect your dreams? Do you wonder about the girl you hit and how she might b e doing? Or is it easy for you to carry on and buy groceries and watch TV and go for coffee like everything is normal? I’m just kind of curious, I guess, because I don’t really get it. I don’t understand how you can carry this inside you and keep on going as though nothing had happ ened.
As a teacher, I always taught my preschoolers that there are cons equ ences to actions. I taught them to take responsibility for their behaviour. I would never appeal to your sense of right and wrong because you have shown me that your concept of such ethics is very different from my own, but I would urge you to take responsibility for your actions that night. Don't be afraid. Come forward. Somebody knows. Or if you suspect who might have committed this act , do the right thing and tell someone. Call the New Minas detachment of the RCMP and help them wrap up their investigation (902-679-5555) or contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) for a cash reward.
I know I’m supposed to feel better if I forgive you, but the truth is, s ometimes I still feel angry that you caused so much pain. For now, I will go back and be there for my daughter and family, and I trust that the world is a kind and nurturing place. My daughter has taught me to find peace and with her courage and the support of friends and community, I am gradually learning to do so.
I don’t know you and I don’t particularly strive to know you, but I wouldn’t mind knowing who you are. You see, that would provide some closure for us.
And you know what? I urge you to do this for yourself as well. After all, if we can lo ok out for a turtle or a robin, it’s not too late for you step up to the plate for one inno cent girl. Sincerely,
Lila Hope-Simpson, Wolfville
Mainly we have learned that even though there was one person who committed an unspeakable act of cowardice, there are a thousand people who have proven to us that humankind is good.-----------------------------
THIS HAS GOT THE UGLY SMELL OF DRUNK DRIVER ALL OVER IT... WE WANT JUSTICE NOVA SCOTIA- WE WANT JUSTICE CANADA- LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL CANADIAN GIRL.......
$24,325raised of $50,000 goal
Organizer: Jasmine Almeida & Rudi Brooks & Community Beneficiary: Natasha Hope-Simpson
In November 2013, Natasha Hope-Simpson was involved in a hit-and-run, which resulted in her having a below-the-knee amputation. Her wonderful attitude is continuing to inspire the community.
- See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/support-for-tasha/109802#sthash.GNQgA6LX.dpufOn November 2, 2013, 23 year old Natasha Hope-Simpson was struck by a hit-and-run driver while walking to her car in a Wolfville, Nova Scotia parking lot. The car pinned her against another vehicle, then drove away, leaving her injured on the ground.
As a result of her injuries, Natasha has had a below-the-knee amputation of her left leg. She has endured multiple surgeries at the Queen Elizabeth 11 Health Sciences Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia), where she continues to recover. The RCMP are continuing their investigation to identify the assailant.
Natasha is a recent graduate of NSCAD (Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She is an avid artist and musician and has been working at Gaspereau Valley Fibres. She looks forward to resuming work, school, outdoor activities and travel.
Funds raised will help purchase the best prosthesis possible and other needs to enable her to continue her active lifestyle and pursue her dreams. Natasha's positive attitude and courage have been an inspiration to family, friends and the entire community. Many thanks for your support. - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/support-for-tasha/109802#sthash.GNQgA6LX.dpuf
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Surrounded by love
December 5, 2013
Natasha Hope-Simpson laughs as she shares that there are actually a lot of positives to having only one leg.
“I only have to wax one leg now,” she says. “And I’m sure I’ll be able to get half price on a pedicure.”
 | Musician and artist Natasha Hope Simpson was injured in a hit-and-run collision on November 2. | |
As she remembers it, she was walking to her car in a darkened parking lot after seeing a Cuban band with her dad Ian Hope-Simpson at a Wolfville pub. As she passed through a row of parked cars, one of them turned on its lights, revved its engine and drove into her, pinning her leg between two vehicles. Then, the driver backed up and tried to drive off, but another car was entering the lot, so the driver abandoned the vehicle and ran away on foot. Natasha’s cries for help were heard by a group of passing Acadia students.
The RCMP is interested in talking to anyone who may have information about the hit-and-run, which happened at about 11:20 p.m. on Nov. 2 near the Subway parking lot in Wolfville. (See a story on the investigation in The Kings County Registrar.)
From the beginning, with some difficult decisions ahead of her, Natasha resolved to be upbeat and look for the silver lining. “It’s a big thing to deal with but there’s no point in taking it badly, otherwise it’s going to be so much harder to get through,” she says.
Since that night, the 23-year-old artist has undergone eight surgeries. She’s learning how to get around using crutches and a walker and will soon be fitted for a prosthetic leg. Her sister Jasmine Almeida and brother Rudi Brooks have initiated an online fundraising campaign to assist with the cost. In just two weeks, they’ve raised about half of their $50,000 goal.
Members of the Wolfville community where Natasha grew up and moved back to after graduation held a benefit evening at the Gaspereau Community Hall last Saturday and raised $13,000. At the time of the accident, Natasha was working at the Gaspereau Valley Fibres’ new shop The Wool n’ Tart, and finding a way to continue her ceramic art practice.
She feels surrounded by love, from her family, her community, even from total strangers. And she thinks often of her friend Lyell Cook, a NSCAD student who took a year off of his studies to travel, and died after a freak accident in Bangalore, India in 2009. He was hanging up a towel to dry when it hit a live wire and he was electrocuted. A scholarship for a student studying sculpture at NSCAD is named in his honor.
“He was the most positive person I have ever met and I feel that he’s been here with me this entire time. I know he’d want me to be positive through this.” She adds with a shrug: “If I was going to lose a limb, my left leg was the limb to lose. I need my right leg for driving and my hands for making art. I figure I’m not so bad off.”
Meanwhile, Natasha’s time in hospital has given her time to reflect on what she’d like to do next—another silver lining. She’s thinking she’d like to be an art therapist, so is planning on doing a year of pre-requisites in psychology at Acadia and then applying to a graduate program at Concordia University in Montreal.
“It seems to be the way that I can be an artist and help people through my art,” she says.
 |
| One of Natasha Hope Simpson's ceramic pieces. (Photo courtesy Natasha Hope-Simpson.) |
http://nscad.ca/en/home/abouttheuniversity/news/surroundedbylove.aspx
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Community rallies around Kings County woman injured in hit and run
jdecoste@kingscountynews.ca
KingsCountyNews.ca
It was standing-room-only and more at a benefit fundraiser for Tasha Hope-Simpson Nov. 30 at the Gaspereau Community Hall.
The 23-year-old Kings County woman remains in hospital in Halifax following a hit and run collision Nov. 2 in Wolfville. She has undergone eight surgeries and part of her left leg has had to be removed.
Acadia student Kaylyn Legare, a friend of Tasha’s, helped organize the Nov. 30 benefit, but admits she had a lot of help.
“This evening really came out together out of the love and support from the community,” Legare said. “Everybody had a hand in making this happen. Both the turnout and the amount of donations have been unbelievable.”
Legare confirmed Tasha remains in hospital in Halifax.
“Her spirits are very high. She’s such a positive person; a great inspiration to all. Hopefully, she will be out of hospital soon. We’re all wishing her a speedy recovery.”
Read more about the investigation HERE.
Legare said that she and the other organizers of the benefit “had no real goals” in terms of how much they hoped to raise.
“It was pretty much whoever turned out, but as you can see, the hall is full,”
In addition to the benefit, donations can also be made online on a ‘You Caring’ fundraising page that has been set up in support of Natasha Hope-Simpson.
Among those in attendance at the benefit was Tasha’s grandmother, Peggy Hope-Simpson.
“Her positive spirit is inspiring,” she said of her granddaughter. “It’s inspiring to see what people can do when faced with adversity.”
Tasha, she said, “is doing OK,” although she has a long road of recovery and rehabilitation ahead of her. At the same time, her positive outlook “gives us hope, and we all need hope,” Peggy added.
According to a Facebook post, the Nov. 30 benefit raised more than $13,000. As well, the ‘You Caring’ page has raised more than $20,000 to date toward Tasha’s medical expenses, which will include the fitting of a prosthesis.
WEBLINK http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/support-for-tasha/109802
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‘It is beautifully overwhelming’
Natasha Hope-Simpson on the shores of the Minas Basin last summer. The 23-year-old was involved in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the amputation of her left leg. (Laura Lake)
It is quite incredible to hear how many people are inspired by Natasha Hope-Simpson’s positive attitude. In turn, Hope-Simpson finds the support that she and her family have received lately equally incredible.
“I am so lucky to be a part of this incredible community. My parents, my family and friends; they all inspire me,” Hope-Simpson said in response to the outpouring of love and generousity she has experienced lately.
The community Hope-Simpson speaks of is Wolfville, the pastoral university town near the Gaspereau Valley, where she was born and raised. It is also where she was involved in a hit-and-run accident five weeks ago.
Hope-Simpson says she had been at a music event with her father at a local pub but was feeling tired, so decided to leave early. As she was headed toward her car in the dimly lit lot, a black vehicle suddenly gunned its motor and raced toward her, knocking her over as it careened through the lot, smashing into other vehicles at the same time. Some university students happened on the scene immediately, hearing her calling for help, but no one saw the driver of the vehicle.
The RCMP recovered the vehicle that same evening, but the driver had long fled. Details of all this are slight due to the ongoing investigation. The owner of the vehicle has been cooperative with the police, and the investigation is ongoing, with two officers still active on the case.
“We’d really like to get this one resolved,” said local RCMP Const. Blair MacMurtrey. “Piles of witnesses have been interviewed but we have no good leads. We are frustrated that no one has come forward. This young woman has sustained injuries that will affect her for the rest of her life.”
Complications from the accident resulted in the amputation of Hope-Simpson’s left leg, just below the knee. She subsequently had eight more surgeries, including skin grafts, to close the wound.
Another woman who also lost her leg visited with Hope-Simpson recently to explain some of the more practical aspects of having an amputation, reassuring her of it getting better over time, but also pointing out that prosthetics can be quite expensive over a lifetime, potentially reaching “upwards of a million dollars.” MSI also supports people with some basic costs and equipment, but not all of them.
But that is not what Hope-Simpson is focussing on.
“Although there have been difficult moments for me, I've experienced the most incredible thing,” she said. “All of the people I've met in my life have sent love to me. It is beautifully overwhelming! It's a lot of love and it helps me so much.”
This love was evidenced with some very practical gestures. Her sister Jasmine, currently residing in Iowa, set up an online fundraising page a couple of weeks ago to assist with the enormous expenses associated with an amputation. Family, friends, and acquaintances of both stepped up immediately to help with the costs and in the first two days raised $15,000.
The local community around Wolfville also showed their financial support in a big way last weekend. Kaylyn Legare, a close friend of Hope-Simpson’s, decided to hold a benefit concert to help raise some money. She got a number of local musicians to willingly provide the entertainment and received very generous donations for a silent auction including various pieces of artwork from many of the talented artists in the area, to pickled asparagus, a professional will, and an antique bicycle from others. Some of the higher ticket items were sold through a live auction. About 250 people in total attended the event at the Gaspereau Hall and in the end they raised another $13,000.
Hope-Simpson’s father, Ian Hope-Simpson spoke at the event, thanking the people there for their “outpouring of love and kindness.”
“It’s hard to find the words to express just how powerful of an experience this has been for us,” he said about the community response, his voice filled with emotion. “I feel so fortunate to have her as a daughter, she’s been so positive and brave, dealing with all of this and it’s been an inspiration for a lot of people, including her parents.” Ian Hope-Simpson is currently adapting his and wife Lila’s rural home to accommodate their daughter’s return.
Hope-Simpson, 23, has been away from home for a while, living in Halifax where she achieved her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at NSCAD University. When she came back to the Valley a year or so ago, she lived independently at Black River Lake, working in town, renewing friendships with some, and building new ones with others. Her pleasant nature makes her easy to like and her positive attitude inspires those she’s with, whether at the knitting circle at the Wool ‘N Tart where she works, playing violin in the local orchestra, or at the Life Drawing classes she co-hosted with her old high school art mentor, Terry Drahos, who is also inspired by Hope-Simpson.
“She’s really prepared to be an artist. Some come and go with it, but she’s someone who’s going to go the distance. Some people find it when they’re older, more mature. She’s already got it.”
It will serve her well as she is now looking at taking courses to help her in her goal of becoming an art therapist. And that’s what keeps Hope-Simpson going — looking forward, remaining optimistic, and appreciating the incredible family and community around her.
What you can do to help:
The RCMP is appealing to the public to come forward with any information.
Call Cpl. Carter at the New Minas Detachment at 902-679-5555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS)
Donate to the fundraising site, active until mid-February: http://tinyurl.com/Support-for-Tasha.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/community/annapolis-valley/1171976-it-is-beautifully-overwhelming
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Plea for Wolfville hit-and-run driver to come forward
Tasha Hope-Simpson lost part of her leg in November crash
CBC News Posted: Dec 09, 2013 5:38 PM AT Last Updated: Dec 09, 2013 5:41 PM AT
Tasha Hope-Simpson left hospital last week after a month of surgeries. (CBC)
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Kentville Police seeking information on a hit and run
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. as two male pedestrians were crossing on the crosswalkin front of the NAPA Car Parts store on Aberdeen Street in Kentville. A red compact car, possibly a Chevrolet Cavalier, crossed the Cornwallis Bridge onto Aberdeen Street and struck one of the pedestrians. The other man was able to jump to safety.
Sgt. Ron Delorey with Kentville Police says the man that was struck had minor injuries and was treated, then released from Valley Regional Hospital.
The red car did not stop and fled the area towards Coldbrook. It's believed the vehicle may have contained three or four young people, possibly in their late teens or early twenties.
Anyone with information that may lead to the identity of the driver of the vehicle is encouraged to contact Kentville Police at 678-3378.
http://www.kingscountynews.ca/News/Local/2013-12-12/article-3540847/Kentville-Police-seeking-information-on-a-hit-and-run/1
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NOVA SCOTIA: Paulson joins war on drunk driving
RCMP commissioner takes to roads with N.S. Mounties to man checkpoints
STAFF REPORTER CLARE MELLOR cmellor@herald.ca @CH_cmellor
Canada’s top Mountie stopped traffic in Lower Sackville on Saturday.
Commissioner Bob Paulson joined about a dozen RCMP officers at a late afternoon traffic stop on Beaver Bank Road checking for impaired drivers.
“What I’m trying to do is get to a point where we can get nobody killed in Canada, nobody killed because of drunk or distracted driving. It’s a very ambitious objective," Paulson told officers as they headed out to the checkp oint .
The force held more than 800 similar checkpoints across the country during the day, which was designated National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.
Paulson said the RCMP is beefing up effor ts to end drinking and driving through enforcement and education.
It chose the holiday season to kick off the initiative because it is a time when people are more likely to drink and get behind the wheel.
“We are using this as an opportunity to just reacquaint Nova S cotians and Canadians with the dangers of impaired driving," Paulson said.
“It is such a preventable problem and we in the RCMP are trying to figure out how we can get rid of it."
One person was arrested during the 45-minute checkpoint.
According to its website, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada estimates there are between 1,250 and 1,500 impairment- related crash deaths in Canada each year. That is 3.4 to 4.1 deaths per day.
In 2012, Nova Scotia’s death rate due impaired driving was 4.57 per 100,000 people, a MADD report says.
Saskatchewan had the highest rate at 8.44 deaths per 100,000 and Ontario had the lowest at 2.03 per 100,000 during the same p erio d.
“It is not worse here (in the Atlantic provinces)." Paulson said. “In fact there are some areas of the country where the numbers are quite staggering.
“It is a problem across Canada. In RCMP juris dictions, we had about 80,000 impaired-related traffic occurrences last year."
The RCMP commissioner was scheduled to participate in a traffic stop in Windsor later Saturday evening.It is such a preventable problem ...
Bob Paulson RCMP commissioner
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson speaks with a driver during a drinking and driving checkpoint on Beaver Bank Road in Lower Sackville on Saturday. ADRIEN VECZAN • STAFF
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Hit and run probe takes turn
Investigators deter mine white SUV was not involved in original collision
EVA HOARE STAFF REPORTER
ehoare@herald.ca @CH_EvaHoare
Investigators now believe only two cars were involved in a collision in north-end Halifax on Wednesday that sent two pedestrians to hospital.
The change in thinking came mid-Friday after officers released photos to the public of an SU V believed to have started the chain reaction crash at Agricola and North streets.
Several witnesses told police they thought an SU V had hit one of the two cars, causing the crash, and then took off.
But officers found the SUV driver and determined the vehicle wasn’t involved after all.
“It was present, but not involved in the collision," Const. Pierre Bourdages of Halifax Regional Police said Friday.
Now investigators are back to Square 1 in figuring out what triggered the crash.
“We’re going back to the witness es and als o interviewing witnesses that have yet to be interviewed," Bourdages said. “And we’re also seeking anyone who might have witnessed the crash."
But he was clear that no third car was involved.
“At this time, we’re not looking for any other vehicle," he said. “Hopefully the investigation and the accident reconstru ction will be able to shed some light as to exactly what happened."
The crash happened at about 2 p.m. Wednesday.
“We have two cars that have collided, one o f them spun out o f control and hit two p edestrians on the sidewalk," Bourdages said. “That’s what we know, and that’s what’s under investigation."
Both injured pedestrians were women .
One was knocked into the air and landed nearby. The other was more seriously hurt when she was pinned b etween the car and a utility p ole, he said.
Bourdages didn’t know the current condition o f the two women Friday.
“The last update I had was the same night (Wednesday)," he said. “One was in the hospital with s erious injuries. The lady who was thrown on impact was less seriously injured."
Social media reports Friday suggested the woman who was pinned is still in hospital, but that information could not be independently confirmed.
It also wasn’t clear if the other woman is still in hospital.
The women’s ages and hometowns have not been released.
Halifax Regional Police investigate an accident on North and Agricola streets in Halifax on Wednesday. Two pedestrians were injured in the crash that originally was thought to be caused by a white SUV that left the scene. Police now say the SUV was present but n ot involved in the accident. INGRID BULMER • Staff
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DRIVERS, PEDESTRIANS:
Be cautious out there
For many, the holidays are a wonderful time, seeing old friends and family, exchanging presents with loved ones, sharing children’s excitement.
But that means they’re also often very busy times, shopping for gifts, food and refreshments, attending parties and other seasonal events.
In other words, many of us are, frankly, in a rush at this time of year.
The earlier darkness and often wet roads make reduced visibility an issue for both drivers and pedestrians as winter approaches. Given that so many people seem to be pressed for time these days, the resulting increased odds of road mishaps makes it doubly important that both those operating motor vehicles, and those on foot, remain cautious and alert to the others’ presence.
Unfortunately, there have been a spate of vehicle-pedestrian collisions in the province so far this month — mostly, but not all, in metro Halifax — particularly in the last week.
Please, everyone, whether driver or pedestrian, slow down and be careful out there.
For drivers, that means basing your speed on the conditions, avoiding distractions — often a contributor in crashes — and staying alert.
For pedestrians, the message is to ensure that you are being seen by oncoming traffic, before you step out into, and as you cross, that street.
As Halifax crosswalk safety advocate Norm Collins urged earlier this week, we hope the municipality’s crosswalk safety advisory committee (formed early in 2013) will soon come forward with some sensible recommendations.
Perhaps Mr. Collins’ proposal a few years ago, to provide pedestrians at busy crosswalks with orange or red flags to carry — but which got shot down by the city’s traffic authority — can get another look.
In Salt Lake City, which pioneered using such flags more than a dozen years ago, that practice and other measures have been credited with reducing pedestrian-vehicle collisions by 20 per cent. About 200 crosswalks in that American city are equipped — in baskets on both sides of the street — with crosswalk flags.
Another year-long hazard, impaired driving, can be more prevalent at this time of year. When more people are out socializing, some, at times, may also be tempted to get b ehind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
So we were glad to see Canada’s top Mountie, the RCMP commissioner, in Nova Scotia this past weekend to help staff a couple of traffic checks as part of a nationwide effort, involving 800 checkpoints, looking for impaired drivers.
Reminding Nova Scotians to remember the importance of highway safety may strike some as a well-worn message, but heeding those words could spare some family an injury or death .-----------------------
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